With only one selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons made it count, adding sharpshooter Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee. The 6-foot-4 guard joins a Pistons team in need of reliable outside shooting.
After four solid years at North Florida, where he averaged 8.9 points and shot 40% from deep, Lanier made a significant leap in his lone season at Tennessee. He averaged 18.0 points and 3.9 rebounds while maintaining his shooting prowess, earning him the Jerry West Award, SEC Newcomer of the Year honors, and First-Team All-SEC recognition.
Lanier’s selection speaks volumes about the Pistons’ priorities — but is it just about adding another shooter? Or does it hint at potential moves involving the current backcourt? How does the drafting of Lanier grade for the Pistons? Let’s dive in.
Pistons’ Chaz Lanier Pick Spells Doom for Veteran Sharpshooter
Is Lanier the Pistons’ Next Elite Shooter — Which Veteran Is on the Brink?
Lanier’s arrival raises questions about the futures of Detroit’s key free agents. Malik Beasley , a reliable shooter and steady presence, is expected to re-sign with the team. His role as a floor spacer still fits the Pistons’ evolving identity.
The bigger question looms around Tim Hardaway Jr. In 77 games, the veteran wing played a key role in Detroit’s turnaround, averaging 11.0 points on 36.8% shooting from beyond the arc. However, his performance dipped in the playoffs, where, despite averaging 12.0 points, he shot just 33.8% from the field and 30.8% from deep. Hardaway Jr.’s leadership and experience remain valuable.
The Pistons could prioritize getting younger and more cost-effective on the wing, especially as they continue to develop their core. If the front office believes Lanier can replicate or exceed Hardaway’s production at a fraction of the cost, the decision becomes clearer. Ultimately, Hardaway’s future may hinge more on his veteran leadership than on his up-and-down 2024-25 season.
What Grade Does Lanier Earn With The Pistons?
The Pistons needed more perimeter shooting, and they got just that. Lanier is one of the most polished shooters in this draft class, and his ability to score at all three levels makes him a valuable offensive weapon. Though not an elite playmaker and sometimes shaky on defense, his scoring versatility is key for the Pistons’ half-court offense.
Lanier may not be a high-ceiling prospect, but he’s a high-floor player who can immediately contribute in a defined role. His mature game, efficient shooting, and college experience position him to be an instant-impact rotation player, especially if Detroit parts ways with one of its veteran wings. If Lanier defends well in the NBA, this pick could look even smarter as time goes on.
Grade: A-
The Last Word
With limited assets in this year’s draft, the Pistons made a calculated, value-driven selection by landing Lanier. His shooting touch, scoring maturity, and collegiate experience check several boxes for a team trying to turn the corner competitively. While not a flashy pick, Lanier fills an immediate need and gives Detroit roster flexibility heading into free agency.
Whether Lanier’s arrival marks the end of a veteran like Hardaway’s future with the Pistons is still unclear. They are prioritizing efficiency, youth, and shooting. They’re reshaping their identity around those core principles. If Lanier’s college success translates to the NBA, this pick could become a quiet steal. It may be one of the more underrated selections of the 2025 draft.
Featured image: © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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